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Tunisia is a small country in Northern Africa with a population of over 10 million. Over 40% of the country is covered by the Sahara Desert, but an extensive coastline allows for international trade and tourism. Tunisia has a diverse demographic heritage and a Muslim majority. The country gained independence from France in the 20th century and has been ruled by the same president since 2007. Tunisia produces agricultural products for export and relies on tourism as a source of income, with many tourist complexes catering to wealthy foreign visitors. The country’s unique geography has made it a popular location for film productions, including Star Wars.
The Republic of Tunisia, commonly known simply as Tunisia, is a small country located in Northern Africa. Tunisia borders Algeria, Libya and the Mediterranean Sea to the northeast. Tunisia covers a total area of 63,170 square miles (163,610 km²) and had a total population of 10,102,000 in 2006.
More than forty percent of Tunisia’s territory falls within the Sahara Desert, meaning that only about half of the country is actually usable land. An extensive coastline allows Tunisia to benefit from international trade and port revenues. The capital of Tunisia is Tunis, a city that has existed since the 2nd millennium BC
Tunisia boasts an impressive demographic heritage, the result of centuries of invasions by civilizations as diverse as the Phoenicians, the Spanish Moors and the indigenous Berbers. Ninety-eight percent of the population is Muslim, with a Christian and Jewish minority.
Tunisia belonged to France until well into the 20th century. Independence was only achieved in the 20th after much litigation, civil unrest and pleading. The president since 1956, Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, had been in power since 2007, chosen five times by popular vote. The prime minister, legislative cabinet, and regional governors are all appointed directly by the president. Since there is only one major political party, the one in power, there is little opposition to government decisions and little, if any, disagreement over bills.
Tunisia produces numerous agricultural products for export, such as olives, citrus fruits and sugar beets. Tourism is also an important source of income, as Tunisia has an impressive mix of desert geography, historical constructions and coastlines with clean beaches, ancient ports and prehistoric cave dwellings. Tourist complexes abound in Tunisia, many of which cater to wealthy foreign visitors who wish to take advantage of Tunisia’s warm climate and unique cities. Tunisia’s geography is so unique that it has become a popular shooting area. All Star Wars scenes featuring the planet Tatooine were filmed in Tunisia. Other films, such as Indiana Jones’ Raiders of the Lost Ark and The English Patient, were also partially filmed in the Tunisian desert.
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